Read: Genesis 1:26–2:1, 15

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female.” 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” 29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground — everything that has the breath of life in it — I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning — the sixth day. 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array…. 15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

The God Who Creates

The Bible opens with a hymn of praise to God for bringing into being “the heavens and the earth.” Sun, moon, stars, mountains, oceans, plants and animals — all are created and pronounced “good.” Beyond the individual objects that God made we see the ecosystems that enable God’s handiwork to grow and adapt in exquisite balance, as seeds become plants, and plants become food. Perhaps most remarkably, God entrusts his creation to the human stewards who are given the responsibility to “work the garden and take care of it.”

The scope of the mandate is breathtaking: We are given both responsibility and authority to develop what God has entrusted to us. Sadly, the first humans rebelled against God, making our task more difficult and frustrating. But the command was never withdrawn. We are still responsible to care for God’s creation — both as individuals and in our churches, businesses and public policies. In the modern world, creation care raises complex questions requiring careful study. It is also our high calling and joy. We can savor the wonders God has made as we hike in a national park, admire the wildflowers in a field, study biology, or revel in a beautiful sunset.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for creating the heavens and the earth and for entrusting us with the care of your creation. Help us to conserve the land, air, water and natural resources you have given us, to treat animals humanely, and to protect your world for future generations to enjoy.

This article is part of “Following the God Who Transforms,” a 10-day devotional designed to refresh and encourage believers in who God is and his heart for our nation and world. Go to the next day’s reading.

Galen Carey

Galen Carey, NAE vice president of government relations, is responsible for representing the NAE before Congress, the White House and the courts. He works to advance the approach and principles of the NAE document, “For the Health of the Nation.” He is also co-author with Leith Anderson of “Faith in the Voting Booth.” Before joining the NAE staff, Carey was a longtime employee of World Relief, the relief and development arm of the NAE, serving in Croatia, Mozambique, Kenya, Indonesia and Burundi. He received an M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary.